All Signs Point to Relevate

Written By Guest User

Can we predict the future? No.

Did we know Relevate was going to be a disaster on the Presumpscot River? You bet.

Trout Unlimited, Friends of the Presumpscot River, and other conservation organizations were opposed to Relevate's application for Presumpscot Dam Projects — as they had a track record of violations and unnecessary ecological impacts from their operations at other hydroelectric projects. Unfortunately for the river, FERC approved it anyway.

 

Since Relevate took over the Presumpscot River Dam Projects in 2022, there have been numerous ecological and regional impacts at many of the dams.

A brief summary:

P-2984 / Eel Weir — FERC License Violation — Removed racks at the dam outlet without permissions required by FERC statute. Resulted in the stranding and observed mortality of adult wild landlocked salmon in 2023/2024.

P2942 / Dundee — FERC License Violation — Failed to properly address known problems with the sluice gate that led to a sudden and unplanned dewatering that was an ecological disaster. Widespread mortality to mussels, macroinvertebrates, and fish.

P-2931 / Gambo — Impoundment level was below allowable levels for 56 days from May to September 2024.

P-2941 / Little Falls — Impoundment level was above full pond elevation for 56 days from May to June 2024.

P-2932 / Mallison Falls — FERC License Violation — Flows below the dam were dropped to "leakage flows" (bare minimum) in June 2024. Resulted in the dewatering and stranding of Alewife below the dam.

Saccarappa — Disruption of fish passage due to Mallison Falls violation.

 

Ongoing systemic problems from Relevate's operations also include:

  • Delays to eel passage studies required in the FERC licenses.

  • Inability of the operator to provide information on flows and other parameters that would enable Maine DEP to evaluate conformance with terms and conditions of their licenses.

  • Relevate is not meeting project administrative reporting requirements.

  • March 2025: FERC issuance documented deficiencies in the required reports on fish passage — giving Relevate 30-days to file additional information.

  • The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) has suspended certifications for both Eel Weir and Dundee due to non-compliance with LIHI requirements.

 

So what can we do?

#1 — Use Your Voice

We’re working to hold the dam operator accountable for these incidents that have harmed the ecosystem, and we’re asking that you sign this petition. Please add your name and share this petition with others — especially residents of Windham, Gorham, and Standish.

 
 

#2 — Document Any Violations

If you notice any changes to flows or abnormal conditions along the Presumpscot River — capture photos and video to document the occurrence. Then contact Maine DEP, Maine IFW, or Sebago TU to share the details.

DEP Phone: 207-822-6300 or 888-769-1036

IFW - Region A: 207-827-2345 > Choose option 2 > Choose option 1 (connects you to fisheries biologists)

 
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